The Stone Witch of Florence, by Anna Rasche
The Stone Witch of Florence is an enjoyable and complex historical fiction novel that follows its protagonist, Ginevra di Gasparo, during the time of The Plague in Florence, Italy. We meet Ginevra as a young girl in Genoa, around the year 1330. The historical background of her city and the things that changed during The Plague make a fascinating read. During this time, Ginevra attracts the attention of Monna Vermilia, a woman known for her special healing powers. Monna Vermilia helps Ginevra realize her unusual aptitude for working with magical gemstones and helping others. Eventually, Vermilia sends Ginevra off to work in a Florence nunnery, where she will be supervised by Vermilia’s sister. Unfortunately, Ginevra is eventually exiled as a witch, and returns to Genoa. The next part of the story is a mystery, in which Ginevra is summoned back to Florence to help catch a thief who is stealing the relics out of village churches. In return, she is hoping to clear her name and t...